Stories for January 2014

Friday, January 31

Tate, Bae share 1-shot lead at NZ Women's Open

New Zealand's Stacey Tate stole the limelight from her illustrious compatriot Lydia Ko by shooting a 4-under 68 to share the lead with South Korea's Seon Woo Bae after after Friday's opening round of the New Zealand Women's Open.

David Duval pounding pavement for exemptions this season

Former World No. 1 David Duval will receive an sponsor exemption into the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am next week, but was otherwise shut out on the West Coast swing despite a gaudy resume that includes a major championship among his 13 PGA Tour victories.

Tour Tracker: Bubba Watson, Matt Jones lead at Phoenix Open

A pair of 64s from two players looking for their first victory since winning a major -- Bubba Watson and Y.E. Yang -- took the Phoenix Open lead. Now the trick for them is to hold off a stacked field in Friday's second round.

Branson, Bass Pro Shops could land Legends of Golf

The Legends of Golf is close to landing a big fish as its new title sponsor. Ric Clarson, the PGA Tour’s senior vice president of market development, confirmed that serious talks are ongoing with Bass Pro Shops to become the new title sponsor of the Champions Tour staple.

Downey left spirited, winning legacy with Auburn, college golf

Jenny Gleason sat in her bedroom in Clearwater, Fla., the one Danielle Downey helped her paint a couple of Thanksgivings ago, and reminisced on her free-spirited friend. Downey died in a car crash on Thursday in Auburn, Ala. She was 33.

Tee times: Dubai Desert Classic, Round 3

Brooks Koepka will get his first chance to play a round of golf with Rory McIlroy, and it will arguably come on the biggest stage of his young career. Take a look at the Round 3 tee times and pairings in Dubai.

Rory McIlroy remained atop the leaderboard at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Friday, firing a 2-under 70 to hold a one-shot lead over Brooks Koepka after 36 holes. Tiger Woods struggled with a 1-over 73.

Tiger Woods' game plenty likely to pick back up after poor start

Tiger Woods did not play very well in his 2014 debut at Torrey Pines, departing after three rounds. But we all know he’ll be back to his winning ways soon enough, with Sam Snead’s all-time PGA Tour victories mark in the crosshairs.

Irish hotelier: Ireland's west-coast golf is the best

Hotelier Alan Maloney is one of the biggest boosters of Ireland’s western seaboard, touting its beauty, culture, fabulous links and affordability -- and has plenty to say about his region's golf and amenities.

LPGA notes: Lewis' momentum; Francella on bag; more

Stacy Lewis' second thought: 'I'm doing a lot of stuff right' amid strong momentum, while Meghan Francella takes on a new gig and Lydia Ko sets up her schedule -- plus more in Beth Ann Nichols' LPGA notes this week.

Wednesday, January 29

Tracker: McIlroy takes early Dubai lead; Tiger fires 68

Tiger Woods will tee it up in his second tournament of 2014 late Wednesday night, playing alongside friend Rory McIlroy in the first round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Follow along with our live blog!

Casie Cathrea won’t return to the Oklahoma State roster this spring. Instead, the 18-year-old will remain at home in California, perhaps playing in some pro events with her main focus on the Curtis Cup.

Mickelson predicts big season for Chargers in 2014

There are many sides to Phil Mickelson – master golfer, involved businessman, devoted family man, charitable mover – but he took time out before the start of the Farmers Insurance Open to wave the flag for his San Diego Chargers.

Traci O'Connor presents spring 2014 line of Roaming Dhabi Designs

Traci O'Connor started designing her own clothes. Initially, the clothes were only for her. But after women and her friends at her home club started asking about the clothes, the Roaming Dhabi Designs clothing line was formed.

Tour notes recap: Riley, Woods, Mickelson, more

Tuesday, January 28

TaylorMade's Mark King gives golf a pathway to grow with Hack Golf

For more than a decade, golf participation has been in decline despite the industry pouring tens of millions of dollars into grow-the-game initiatives. Which is why our Adam Schupak applauds the effort put forth by TaylorMade chief executive Mark King.

Q&A: Alana Hughson, Bend, Ore., tourism chief

At first glance, the tourism people in Central Oregon would seem to have their hands full trying to get golfers to visit them. After all, the top four courses in the state, according to the Golfweek’s Best rankings, are at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, 260 miles southwest of Bend on the Oregon coast.

Tee times: Waste Management Phoenix Open, Round 2

Phil Mickelson looks like he will give it a go this week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The defending champion and also the 1996 and 2005 winner of the event, Mickelson is grouped with Bill Haas and Ryan Moore for the first two rounds at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Jones Cup draws several NCAA, Walker Cup winners for '14

The director of the Jones Cup says the international field is the amateur tournament's best yet, headlined in 2014 by several Walker Cup and NCAA championship winners as well as top mid-ams and juniors.

Rory McIlroy, not Tiger Woods, the favorite in Dubai

Tiger Woods' third-round 79 at the Farmers Insurance Open not only caught the eye of the golf public but also the Las Vegas oddsmakers, who have installed Rory McIlroy as the favorite to win this week's Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Walker remains atop U.S. Ryder Cup standings; Stallings to 11th

Despite coming off his first missed cut of the 2013-14 PGA Tour season, Jimmy Walker remained on top of the U.S. Ryder Cup points standings while Farmers Insurance Open champion Scott Stallings jumped to 11th.

DOWNLOAD NOW! New Golfstat live scoring app!

The men's college golf season gets underway today on the West Coast, so make sure to download the new Golfstat Live Scoring app (powered by Golfweek and Nike Golf) on both the Apple and Android marketplaces.

Sunday, January 26

Tournament preview: Arizona Intercollegiate

Five of the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings’ top-50 teams will kick off their spring slate Monday at the Arizona Intercollegiate in Tucson. And for No. 4 Cal, it will be without Player of the Year Michael Kim.

Winner's Bag: Scott Stallings, Farmers Insurance Open

Scott Stallings was able to make a birdie on the final hole of the South Course at Torrey Pines on Sunday evening to win the Farmers Insurance Open. Here is a complete list of the clubs Stallings had in his bag.

Pat Perez comes up short in front of hometown fans

Pat Perez needed an eagle at No. 18, but chose to lay up when he didn't get the yardage that he wanted. But the hometown boy still gave it a run, coming 3 feet away from forcing a playoff at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Saturday, January 25

5 Things: Length powers leader Woodland; Cink sinks; more

Phil Mickelson withdrew late Friday night, and Tiger Woods played himself out of the tournament – literally – Saturday at the Farmers Insurance Open, leaving an eclectic group of leaders, led by Gary Woodland, entering Sunday's final round.

A playoff was needed to settle the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, the second leg of the European Tour’s Desert Swing, and it was Sergio Garcia who came away with the victory. Here are 5 Things you need to know from the 17th running of the $2.5 million Qatar Masters.

Farmers Insurance Open: Tee times, round 3

Leader Jordan Spieth will play alongside the man he passed, Stewart Cink, in Saturday's final threesome during the third round of the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, while Tiger Woods tees off No. 10.

5 Things: Jordan Spieth leads; Tiger Woods survives; more

At Torrey Pines on Friday, the Farmers Insurance Open came into focus as young Jordan Spieth put on an absolute ball-striking clinic to take the lead while playing the North Course alongside Tiger Woods.

Tour Tracker: Jordan Spieth charges to lead at Farmers Insurance Open

Tiger Woods is eight shots off of Stewart Cink's lead after Woods carded an even-par 72 on Torrey Pines' South course to begin his 2014 debut, at the Farmers Insurance Open. The good news, though, is Woods, who has won this event seven times, will play the easier North course in Friday's second round.

Earl Yestingsmeier remembered for his extraordinary foundation of college golf

Many times when a college golf coach retires, he or she creates some distance from the program. Not so with Earl Yestingsmeier. He had been as faithful to Ball State in retirement as he had been in 36 years as coach.

Thursday, January 23

5 Things: Cink leads; Perez, locals shine; Woods 8 back; more

Stewart Cink might have the first-round lead after carding an 8-under 64 on the easier of Torrey Pines' two courses Thursday, but a proper assessment can't be made until after two rounds are in the books at the Farmers Insurance Open.

LPGA notes: Stacy Lewis and Twitter; Lydia Ko's changes; more

Stacy Lewis ends her break from Twitter in time for the season's start; rookie phenom Lydia Ko lined up some changes before her LPGA debut; plus more in this week's news and notes from senior writer Beth Ann Baldry.

Wednesday, January 22

Nike Golf prepping to celebrate Tiger milestones

Nike Golf's Cindy Davis revealed to Golfweek on Wednesday that they company is preparing multiple celebrations as its biggest client, Tiger Woods, approaches numerous records -- including win No. 83 on the PGA Tour.

PGA Show 2014: Live Blog, Day 1

Our crew of senior writers, photographers and multimedia experts will take to the floor at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. to bring you the latest news and gossip from the floor at the PGA Show.

PHOTOS: PGA Merchandise Show 2014 (Day 1)

PGA Show Q&A: Blair O'Neal, Symetra Tour

Blair O'Neal was one of the bigger names on the showroom floor on Wednesday at the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla., and she took a few minutes to talk about life as a model and her passion for competitive golf.

Phil Mickelson isn't lacking for confidence heading into Farmers

If you’re a Phil Mickelson fan and approach 2014 with anxiety, thinking the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 represents his best (and perhaps last) chance to secure the career Grand Slam, breathe easy. Lefty’s got you covered with an abundance of confidence.

Titleist updates Scotty Cameron Select line of putters

New Latin America Amateur offers Masters reward

On Wednesday, the Masters, U.S. Golf Association and R&A announced the creation of the Latin America Amateur Championship. The inaugural event will be held next year in Buenos Aires. The winner gets an exemption into the Masters.

King: Bigger cup, larger ball can speed up rounds, help grow golf

Mark King, chief executive of TaylorMade Golf, says about a dozen golf courses are poised to target growing the game by adding 15-inch cups – more than triple the diameter of the 4.25-inch cups players are used to.

Expert picks: Tiger Woods heavy favorite at Torrey Pines

So this won't come as a surprise, but Tiger Woods is an overwhelming favorite this week at the Farmers Insurance Open. But another guy to watch out for? Nick Watney seems to have garnered the attention of our experts this week.

Check out our new Equipment Hub, rebuilt just for you!

A new year and a new look for the Golfweek.com Equipment Hub, complete with our new "Gearcaddie" research tool, as well as the latest videos, blogs, photo galleries and access to our weekly e-magazine dedicated to the golf equipment industry!

Lydia Ko, two-time LPGA winner, shows humor as pro -- and promise

Lydia Ko plans to retire at age 30. That’s right; the 16-year-old kid who played in her first tournament as a professional last November already has an exit strategy. “I’ve played golf for 11 years,” she said. “Twenty-five years, I think, is enough.”

Touring, 35-year-old Matt Kuchar does not go alone, his travel team is completed by wife Sybi and sons Cameron, 6, and Carson, 4.

Touring, 35-year-old Matt Kuchar does not go alone, his travel team is completed by wife Sybi and sons Cameron, 6, and Carson, 4. Together they have seen much of the world and scripted a four-year run of PGA Tour consistency that is a marvel.

Woods said he senses that his career will be assessed differently if he doesn’t at least match Nicklaus’ record. It’s hard to say Woods didn’t play a part in nurturing this mentality. After all, it was a paper listing the accomplishments of Nicklaus, not Snead, that was taped to his bedroom wall in California while growing up.

Golf Channel/NBC shows better work than at majors

Graphically, this was some of the strongest work I’ve seen from Golf Channel/NBC, even better than some of its recent work at majors. An excellent illustration showed the Plantation Course’s 440 feet of elevation change from the high point, the 17th tee, to the low point, the second green. I love the Pinpoint animation showing driving and approach distances, but as usual, it was wildly underutilized.

Is 2014 the last run for former World No. 1 David Duval?

This could be a make-or-break season for former World No. 1 David Duval, who last month took to Twitter to roll out his game plan for 2014. Duval, 42, made only eight starts last season, failed to break 70 and made but one cut, earning $6,210 at Reno- Tahoe.

Pinehurst Resort evolves as an idyllic American destination

Golf resorts can build great courses and lovely clubhouses. They can host important tournaments, even major championships. But developing a history and culture of golf comes only with time. The people at Pinehurst like to think of their quaint Sandhills haven as America’s home of golf.

Pinehurst hosts two national championships back-to-back

One course, two national championships on back-to-back weeks. It’s unprecedented at the professional level. The folks at Pinehurst Resort hope it doesn’t rain when the men’s and women’s U.S. Opens visit in June. At the U.S. Golf Association, the goal will be to crown two national champions playing the same course and hitting similar clubs into the same greens.

Ladies first at back-to-back tournament at Pinehurst

There’s no shortage of opinions from LPGA players on the concept of back-to-back U. S. Opens in 2014. Golfweek asked several marquee players for their take on following the men at Pinehurst No. 2 in June, and the message was clear: Ladies first!

Tom Watson inspires American players more as a leader than a buddy

Davis Love III reflects on his first Ryder Cup, in 1993, and says his captain, eight-time major champion Tom Watson, was “intimidating to me.” Inspiration was another feeling. Love vividly recalls being with U.S. team members in the airport lounge, before they flew to England on the Concorde, when the captain said, “Guys, we’re getting ready to go on a big adventure.”

The golf antiquity market is alive and well as Green Jacket Auctions closed out its winter auction last week. The headliner was a collection of photos from Old Tom Morris’s personal photographer.

The golf antiquity market is alive and well as Green Jacket Auctions closed out its winter auction on Sunday morning. The headliner was a collection of 42 photos from Old Tom Morris’s personal photography collection.

For David Feherty, it's simple: Let me entertain you

On the eve of "Feherty Live," our Martin Kaufmann sits down with TV personality David Feherty to talk about his rise off the course into one of the best commentators and personalities in the golf business.

Fujikura's MCI shaft

Fujikura’s MCI (Metal Composite Iron) shaft recently became widely available through the certified network of Fujikura dealers. This iron shaft is a blend of graphite and steel. The objective is better balance, feel and stability.

A trio of future Alabama players are more than just teammates

After signing their scorecards for second round action at the Annika Invitational on Jan. 19, Nicole Morales, Lakareber Abe and Cheyenne Knight could be found eating together, sharing laughs and donning Alabama gear, of course. The trio of Crimson Tide commits is more than just a group of future teammates – it’s a group of friends.

Sunday, January 19

With second straight 64, Bernhard Langer wins in Hawaii

With birdies on five holes down the stretch, Bernhard Langer built a lead over Fred Couples and shot his second 64 in as many days to win the Champions Tour's Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii.

Winner's Bag: Patrick Reed, Humana Challenge

After shooting three 63s, Patrick Reed held on to win the 2014 Humana Challenge. The win gave Reed his second career PGA Tour event. Here is a complete list of the clubs he played this week in La Quinta, Calif.

Caddies question one of their own over Rory McIlroy penalty

The unusual nature of the two-shot penalty handed to Rory McIlroy on Saturday – veteran caddie Dave Renwick calling a rules violation on McIlroy – resonated with players and caddies at the Humana Challenge.

Cobra BiO Cell, BiO Cell+ irons

Pablo Larrazabal outlasts Mickelson, McIlroy in Abu Dhabi

A two-stroke penalty on Saturday (Rory McIlroy) and a final-round triple bogey (Phil Mickelson) opened the door for Pablo Larrazabal to use his 5-under 67 on Sunday to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Whatever drama might have unfolded in the Humana Challenge seems to have evaporated in the desert sun. Patrick Reed posted a third consecutive 63 to open a seven-stroke lead Saturday. The winner sure seems to be predetermined entering the final round at PGA West.

HSBC tells R&A it is 'very uneasy' with male-only Open venues

The R&A has consulted sponsors and stakeholders about taking the Open Championship to male-only clubs, with long-time sponsor HSBC telling the governing body that it is uncomfortable with the current situation.

Patrick Reed's second straight 63 gave him a two-shot lead Friday at the Humana Challenge, and he's one of seven former University of Georgia players tied for 34th or better midway through what has been a birdie fest.

Sergio Garcia upset after being accused of rules infraction

Sergio Garcia was forced into an early meeting with European Tour chief referee John Paramor before the second round to ensure he had not breached Rule 16-1a ("Touching Line of Putt") in Round 1. TV footage showed Garcia tapping his line in front of his ball before his birdie putt on the 18th green.

Invites for the '14 Junior Invitational have been sent out

The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley looks to separate itself from other junior tournaments in everything it does – from its invitation to its invitees. Invites has been set out for the fourth annual tournament set to take place 24-26.

Solid play in desert gives Fleetwood, Bjorn hope for Ryder Cup

Thomas Fleetwood and Thomas Bjorn share a common bond aside from being in contention in Abu Dhabi. They are doing their best not to think of Samuel Ryder’s little challenge match against the U.S. in September at Gleneagles, Scotland.

Tour Tracker: Patrick Reed leads Humana Challenge

Zach Johnson rides a hot hand into the PGA Tour's 2014 Humana Challenge at La Quinta, Calif., but will face a quality field that includes Keegan Bradley, Harris English and more. Keep up with today's highlights right here.

SCORES: Humana Challenge, fourth round

Morales, Wu featured players at Annika Invitational

Several of the country’s top girls’ players are showcasing their talents at the Annika Invitational, a 54-hole stroke play tournament to be played this weekend at the Reunion (Fla.) Resort. See who can make headlines this week in Reunion.

Garcia, Truslow highlight field at AJGA Puerto Rico Open

Winning the AJGA Puerto Rico Open is one way to make a dream come true. For the 72 boys junior golfers preparing to tee off Jan. 18-20 at the Trump International Golf Club (Championship course) in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, the goal is to win and earn a spot in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open on March 6-9.

Nigel Edwards reappointed Walker Cup captain

The R&A has broken with tradition and appointed Nigel Edwards as Great Britain & Ireland's Walker Cup captain for a third consecutive time. He will lead GB&amp;I against the U.S. in the biennial amateur matches next year at Royal Lytham.

Garcia injured, Mickelson struggles in Round 1 at Abu Dhabi

Sergio Garcia is doubtful for the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship after incurring an injury caused by perilously deep rough. He wasn’t the only marquee name to struggle with the primary rough as Phil Mickelson had his travails, too.

Wednesday, January 15

Rude: Bob Hope's era of celebrities over at Humana Challenge

For better or for worse, this is not your grandfather’s Bob Hope tournament. That era is gone. Times change and so do tournaments, and perhaps no event has transformed as much as this one, now called the Humana Challenge.

LPGA players don’t often take on a New York City media blitz like the one Brittany Lincicome and Lexi Thompson enjoyed last week. One text Lincicome sent out amid it all: 'This is crazy,' with a trio of smiley faces.

Toy Box Extra: Jan. 15, 2014

Check out the second edition of Toy Box Extra, complete with product profiles on new gear from Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, adidas, FootJoy and TravisMathew, not mention a Q&A with the one-and-only Lee Trevino.

Last week in the Middle East, Simon Dyson marked a new beginning in his professional golf career.

Last week in the Middle East, Simon Dyson marked a new beginning in his professional golf career. At the $2.7 million HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Dyson made his first start since being put on probation by the European Tour after he tapped down a spike mark last year.

Tuesday, January 14

Brendan Steele used a unique style of strength training to prepare for his 2014 debut, and after adding a cop as a fill-in caddie after his original looper had visa issues, Steele has quite the story heading into his home tournament, the Humana Challenge.

Fitzpatrick: Plans to stay amateur; multiple exemptions for 2014

Matt Fitzpatrick, the No. 1-ranked amateur in the world, has every intention of staying amateur for the 2014 season and beyond. He has plans to focus on his game, play in the year's first three majors and any more opportunities that come his way in 2014.

Upon further review, no new car for John Daly after pro-am ace

It was originally believed that John Daly's hole-in-one in Monday's pro-am for the Humana Challenge won him a new car. But after further review, Daly won't be taking home the 2014 Hyundai Equus after all.

Sunday, January 12

5 Things: Jimmy Walker wins Sony Open; Adam Scott manages; more

With three straight birdies from Nos. 15-17 during Sunday's final round, Jimmy Walker assumed command of the Sony Open and earned his second win of the wraparound PGA Tour season – and his career. Here are 5 Things to Know from Honolulu.

Sam Horsfield wins New Year's Invitational by 4 shots

Sam Horsfield opened the new year by winning the New Year’s Invitational at St. Petersburg Country Club by four strokes Sunday, joining Brandt Snedeker (2004) and J.B. Holmes (2003) among the list of winners.

5 Things: Oosthuizen repeats as Volvo champ behind late birdies

Needing a fast finish, Louis Oosthuizen posted birdies at Nos. 17 and 18 to keep his Volvo Champions title on Sunday, outlasting Branden Grace by a stroke at the Durban Country Club in Durban, South Africa.

Saturday, January 11

5 Things: Kirk chases win No. 3; Wilcox, Kelly take advantage; more

Chris Kirk's third-round 5-under 65 Saturday at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu opens a one-shot lead at the Sony Open. But this tournament is far from over as 16 other players enter Sunday's final round within four shots of the lead.

John Daly makes cut but reinjures elbow on bunker shot

John Daly returned to the PGA Tour after a six-month hiatus on Thursday, but he might need some additional time off after reinjuring his surgically repaired right elbow hitting a bunker shot in Friday’s second round of the Sony Open.

Friday, January 10

5 Things: Brian Stuard takes lead; Jordan Spieth misses cut

Brian Stuard continues his outstanding play at Waialae Country Club with a 5-under 65 to take the lead while 20-year-old phenom Jordan Spieth can't muster his normal magic in missing his first cut since the PGA Championship in August.

Drivers

Balicki: Yestingsmeier was and always will be Ball State golf

Senior writer Ron Balicki reflects on his time with former Ball State head coach Earl Yestingsmeier, who died Jan. 9 at his home in Muncie, Ind. Balicki says Yestingsmeier was and always has been Ball State golf.

Callaway

Bobby Petrino, Katie Petrino, Louisville Cardinals, Women's College Golf: Good day to be Cardinals in Petrino family as Bobby named head football coach and Katie on the golf team

Katie Petrino is a redshirt junior on the women's golf team and with her father Bobby Petrino being named head football coach last week – for the second time – it’s definitely a good time to be a Louisville Cardinal in the Petrino family.

Adams Golf

GB&I streamlines selection process for Curtis Cup

This year’s GB&I Curtis Cup team will be comprised of four players off the World Amateur Golf Rankings, two from the LGU Order of Merit with the remaining two selected by the traditional method of a selection panel.

Thursday, January 9

5 Things: Sang-Moon Bae leads Sony Open; John Daly returns; more

Sang-Moon Bae fired off a 63 Thursday to lead the first round of the Sony Open on PGA Tour; Chris Kirk is just a shot back after some coaching; John Daly gets in the mix; plus more in our 5 Things to Know.

PGA of America president Ted Bishop indicated that his organization would be given the opportunity to make a case for anchoring "grandfather period" for recreational amateurs at USGA meeting in Feb.

PGA of America president Ted Bishop indicated that his organization would be given the opportunity to make a case for a "grandfather period" for recreational amateurs at the USGA's annual meeting Feb. 8 in Pinehurst, N.C. Bishop likened the proposal to what was agreed upon for the groove regulations in 2008.

Tiger Woods to open 2014 at Torrey Pines, Dubai

It'll come as no surprise, but Tiger Woods will kick of 2014 at his personal playground, otherwise known as Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open. He'll also play the next week at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Q&A with Adams Golf's John Ward

John Ward, a veteran sales executive with TaylorMade-Adidas Golf, was named president of Adams Golf in June 2012. After 1 1/2 years at the helm, Ward offers candid observations about his company, the state of golf and the future of the game.

Hideki Matsuyama (wrist) withdraws from Sony Open

Mike Keiser launches resort project in Wisconsin

Mike Keiser, the founder of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, has announced he will begin work on Sand Valley in central Wisconsin after purchasing nearly 1,400 acres, with four courses eventually planned for the area.

Ted and Sandy Wechsler, Amateur Golf: The couple made a hole-in-one during the same round at Desert Trails Golf Course back in December

Ted and Sandy Wechsler had an unlikely day on the golf course back in December. Both made a hole-in-one during the same round at Desert Trails Golf Course in Sun City, Ariz. The odds of that happening again? About 60-70 million to one.

U.S. Am champ Matthew Fitzpatrick leaves Northwestern

Matthew Fitzpatrick, the top-ranked player in the World Amateur Ranking, won’t return to the Northwestern roster in the spring. The freshman announced he will return to England to pursue an amateur golf career.

Wednesday, January 8

Adam Scott employs surfing buddy as caddie fill-in at Sony

Adam Scott has spent plenty of time riding waves with Benji Weatherley, but the duo will form a new relationship this weekend at the Sony Open when Weatherley fills in as the Masters champion's caddie.

Toy Box Extra: Jan. 8, 2014

A new year and a new Golfweek digital product, as we introduce The Toy Box Extra e-magazine today. It'll focus on the latest in the equipment industry, from products to Q&A with key industry personnel. We hope you enjoy!

LPGA offers season title with sweet bonus: $1 million

The LPGA’s announcement of its new Race to the CME Globe, a season-long points competition within the schedule that boasts a $1 million unofficial payout, is the cherry on commissioner Mike Whan's sundae.

Pro notes recap: Zach Johnson, Jonas Blixt, Adam Scott, more

Zach Johnson wins against stellar competition and the next day there are stories that suggest he isn't a major-championship favorite; plus more in our recap of senior writer Jim McCabe's pro notes this week.

Nike Golf's global golf apparel presents new "Cover-up" sweater

The Cover-up features two technologies in a hybrid design: The jacket is the Dri-Fit stretch design, which is lightweight, wind-and-water resistant and breathable. The knit sleeves—the sweater portion—retain warmth and allow for movement throughout the golf swing.

Tour Tracker: Round 4, Hyundai Tournament of Champions

It promises to be an exciting final round at the Hyundai TOC, as Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth and defending champion Dustin Johnson are tied for the lead at 14 under, with Zach Johnson two shots further back. Follow now with our live blog!

Ian Poulter, Luke Poulter, U.S. Kids Golf Foundation: Ian's son won the event by seven shot with his old man on the bag

Like father, like son? Ian Poulter's oldes son, Luke, won the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation boy's 9-year-old division with a 4-over 40 at Walt Disney World's Palm course. And who was on the bag for Luke? None other than Ian himself.

Sunday, January 5

5 Things: With heavy heart, Webb Simpson roars into share of lead

Webb Simpson, with his mind squarely on his caddie's newborn child that reportedly suffered a seizure, musters a stellar back-nine to jump into a three-way tie for the lead at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Webb Simpson made the biggest move of Sunday's three co-leaders, with a 5-under 68 taking him to 14 under. Also on that mark are defending champion Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, both of whom shot 69 today.

Saturday, January 4

5 Things: Z. Johnson leads, D. Johnson bounces back in Hawaii

Zach Johnson wasn't overly pleased with his 7-under 66 during Saturday's second round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Yet, Johnson, at 13 under, still finds himself up by three shots at the halfway point in Kapalua. Here are 5 Things you need to know.

Friday, January 3

With mind on family, lethargic Streelman manages a 67

As late as Tuesday, Kevin Streelman hadn't even made up his mind about playing in the Hyundai TOC. On Friday, he fought through conflicting emotions regarding his family in Arizona to fire a 6-under 67.

5 Things: Newcomers steal spotlight in Kapalua on Friday

Experience didn't matter for much in the opening round at the Plantation Course, as two newcomers to the Hyundai TOC (Jordan Spieth, Michael Thompson) left tied for the lead with Chris Kirk (second appearance) and Webb Simpson (third appearance).

PGA Tour, Dustin Johnson, Hyundau TOC: Dustin Johnson missed the pro-am on Thursday due to neck stiffness, but plans on playing on Friday

Defending champion Dustin Johnson missed the pro-am on Thursday with neck stiffness but remained confident that he would be able to make his 12:50 p.m. (HST) first-round tee time with Masters champion Adam Scott on Friday.

PGA Tour, Jordan Spieth: After a big impact in his rookie season, Jordan Spieth is looking to play better in the major championships and play more in 2014

Jordan Speith earned nearly $3.9 million on the PGA Tour in his rookie season, and he won the John Deere Classic. Now he is putting his focus into the major championships and intends to play many more events in 2014.

Adam Scott beats out Tiger Woods for GWAA honor

Adam Scott's four worldwide victories seems to have carried more weight with the Golf Writers Association of America than Tiger Woods' five victories, as the Aussie was named Male Player of the Year for 2013 on Thursday.

Trevor Immelman joins TaylorMade/adidas stable of players

Tournament of Champions: Tee times, first round

Friday's first-round tee times at the 2014 Hyundai Tournament of Champions seem to be saving the best for last – with Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Adam Scott comprising the day's final two pairings.